Supporting structure



2 192 1,646,725 Oct 7 1 F. A. DAVIDSON SUPPORTING STRUCTURE Filed May 6, 1925 '2 heets-Sheet 2 .III' 1? X llll Z7 4 3 Hum IN VENTQR MA ATTO NEY Patented Oct. 25, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.-

FBEDEBIC A. DAVIDSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO AMERICAN SAFETY DEVICE COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

SUPPORTING Application filed May 6,

This invention relates to supporting structures, and has for its primary object to provide a supporting structure for sidewalk bridges, runways, overhead pipe 111165 or trolleys, ramps, grandstands, and various other analogous uses, and broadly considered has for its primary object and purpose to provide such a supporting structure for either temporary or permanent use which will be relatively inexpensive, capable of easy and quick erection with a minimum of manual labor, and which will possess maximum strength and stability to furnish an adequate support for comparatively heavy loads.

Hy present improvements are particularly applicable for use in the support of sidewalk bridges such as are commonly erected for the. protection of pedestrians during building operations. The invention is primarily characterized by the fact that the bridge supporting structure embodies means for easil and quickly connecting two series of longitudinally spaced'vertical columns with each other by transverse bridgtle supporting beams, and also connecting t'e longitudinally spaced columns in each series at their upper ends with each other, said columns at their lower ends being securely fixed to suit-- able ground sills.

It is another important object of my present improvements to provide a means for connecting the longitudinally spaced columns at their upper ends which may be readily adjusted in the event that the pavement or ground is sloping or inclined while at the same time, securing an absolutely rigid connection of the longitudinal connecting member with the upper ends of the columns.

In one practical embodiment of the invention, I provide a head for each of the columns with means for detachably clamping the same thereto, said head being in the form of a casting and provided with a suitable seat upon which the end of a transverse cross beam -is adapted to be positioned. This head casting is provided with suitable clamping devices for removably securing the beam end upon said seat. Said head casting is also provided with two additional clamping means arran ed at opposite sides of the column and ad ustable relative to the casting for the purpose of rigidly clamping or connecting the ends of longitudinal bracing STRUCTURE.

1925. Serial No. 28,295.

members extending in relatively opposite directions with said head casting.

It is a further general object of my invention 'to provide a supporting structure as.

above characterized which consists of relatively few parts ofsimple and durable construction which. when disasssembled will occupy comparatively little storage space and can be readily transported from place to place.

Vith the above and other objects in view, the invention consists in the improved supporting structure, and in the form, construction and relative arrangement of the several parts thereof as will'be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and subsequently incorpo rated in the subjoined claims.

In thedrawings, wherein I have shown one simple and practical embodiment of the invention, and in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views,-

Figure 1 is a fragmentary top plan view of a sidewalk bridge illustrating the application of my present improvements;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof;

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2; y

Fig. 4 is an enlarged elevation partly in section showing the head casting for one of the columns with a transverse I beam clamped thereon Fig, 5 is an elevation looking at right at:- gles to Fig. 4, and

Fig. 6 is a detail horizontal section taken on-the line 66 of Fig; 4.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown my present improvements as applied to use for the purpose of supporting a sidewalk bridge or canop such as is commonly used in the erection 0 buildings for the purpose of protecting pedestrians and also as a material receiving platform. For this purpose, as herein shown, I provide two series of longitudinally spaced clumns 5, one of which is adapted to be arranged closely adjacent to the building line while the other series of columns is arranged adjacent to the curb line of-the pavement. Each of the columns 5 is flanged at its lower end and adapted to be rigidly fixed by'suitable bolts, nails, or other fastening elements to the longitudinally extending ground sills 6. Each column is in the form of a pipe of the requisite length and diameter. a p

Upon the upper end of each column 5, a head casting is adapted to be detachably secured. As herein shown, each of these head castings, which is preferably formed of steel, has a central tubular or barrel shaped body portion 7 of such internal diameter that it will have a snug sliding fit over the upperend of the column. At its lower end and at one side thereof the wall of the barrel 7 is longitudinally split as at 8 and outwardly projecting ears 9 are formed at the lower end of said split, one of said ears having an eyebolt 1O swiveled therein and adapted for threaded engagement in an opening formed in the op osed ear 9 as'clearly shown in F ig; 4 o the drawings.

At opposite sides of the barrel 7,'the head casting is formed with the vertical webs 11 integrally connecting said barrel with a horizontally disposed seat 12- formed at' the upper end of the casting, which will be presently explained.

Each of the webs 11 has an opening 13 therein which receives one end of a connecting member 14 extending between the longitu i ' vices consists of a semi-cylindrical gitudinally the nally spaced columns. These connecting members as herein shown are preferably in the form of steel pipes of suitable length. The ends of these-connecting pipes are rigidly connected with the column heads-by means of suitable adjustable clamping devices mounted upon said heads. In the pres ent disclosure, each of these clamping demember 15 having a concavefseat 16 to receive one side of the pipe end 14. The outer side of the member 15 is centrally formed. with a recess 17 to receive a cylindrical-boss 18 formed on the wall of the barrel 7. The

member 15 is further formed with a downwardly extending fork 19 straddling the web 11 below the opening 13.: In the end of each of the fork arms an eyebolt 20 is threaded and is adapted for bearing engagement against a boss 21formed on the face of the web. ,At opposite sides of its seat 16, the'member 15 is provided with lonextending ofl'set flanges 22.

A complementary clamping .7 or holding member 23 is adapted for engagement upon the opposite sideof the pipe 14, the edges of the clamping member 23 projecting under the oflset flanges '22 on the member- 15.

Theclamping member 23 is provided upon its outer side at the center thereof with a bearing recess 24 to receive the inner threaded end of an eyebolt 25 which is rotatably positioned through an opening 26 formed'in a cylindrical enlargement on web 11; The inner end of this eyebolt has threaded engagement in a square nut 27 held against turning movement within a the purpose of similarly shaped recess 28 provided in the turn or pivot with respect to the boss 18 on the barrel 7 in the event that the connecting pipe 14 does not extend exactly at a right angle with respect to the axis of the column 5, owing to the fact that the ground or pavement slopes or inclines. Thus, the clamping devices will automatically accommodate themselves to such conditions. The eyebolts 20 and 26 are then tightened up so as to rigidly hold the com plementary clamping members against further turning or pivotal movement relative to the head casting and also in positive. clamping engagement upon L the opposite sides of the connecting pipes 14. It will thus be apparent that by the provision of the independently adjustable clamping de- "vices on the column heads, the pipes or C011. necting members 14 extending between these heads may be independently adjusted and secured in position between the column heads relative to each other, as may be required owing to difi'erent levels or inclinations of-the ground surface upon which the lower ends of the columns are supported.

Upon the upper plane surface of the horizontalse'at 12 on the column head the end of an I-beam 37 is adapted to be positioned. It will be noted that by the provision of the webs 11 connecting the seats 12 with the barrel 7,"and extensive longitudinal supporting surface for this I-beam is provided. On one edge of this seat and at the opposite ends thereof upwardly and inwardly turned flanges 38 are formed for engagement. over one the I-beam. Opposite these flanges 38 the column head, the otherends of said clampadapted to extend ing members which are inwardly over the opposite side flange of the beam 37 are provided with eyebolts 32 mg engagement upon the upper surface of said flange. Thus,'the I-beam 37. is rigidly held inposition upon its seat and in en'- beams in the manner just described. After providing the requisite number oi I-beams of the side flanges oi which are adapted to be adjusted into bear- ,120.

with the column heads, the upper ends of the columns are successively inserted in the barrel portions 7 of said heads and fixedly clamped therein by the adjustment of the eyebolts 10. The connected pairs of columns are then arranged in vertical positions and properly spaced longitudinally from eachother and fixed at their lower ends to the ground sills. Finally the longitudinally extending pipe members 14 are positioned between the column heads as shown in Fig. 1 and rigidly connected therewith by means of the clamping devices heretofore described, the eyebolts 20 and 25 being adjusted to rigidly fix the clamping members 15 and 23 in engagement upon the pipe ends and against angular rotative movement wlth respect to the column heads. It will be noted that no tool of any kind other than a plain iron bar for the adjustment of the several eyebolts is required so that the several parts can be very easily and quickly assembled and rigidly connected in relation with each other.

After the supporting structure has been erected in the desired position, suitable wood stringers 33 arearranged upon the upper surfaces of the I-beams 37 for the purpose of nailing the spaced longitudinal wooden beams 34 thereto." Upon these beams the platform or decking planks 35 are secured. Finally the U-shaped clamping bolts illustrated at 36 are engaged around the I-beams and the stringers 33 to firmly hold and clamp the latter against shifting movement upon the Lbeams.

In the manner above described, it will be seen that my new supporting structure will be exceedingly rigid and substantial and capable of sustaining very heavy loads. By the provision of the wlumn heads having the webs 11, no additional bracing means is required. Heretofore wooden supports have been generally used in the erection of such sidewalk bridges or canopies, and in order to conceal the unsightly bracing which was necessary, decorations or embellishments were employed, which materially added to the expense of the structure. My improved metal supporting structure not only eliminates the necessity of such ornamental embellishment, but also does not deteriorate with prolonged use. It will further be apparent that such a supporting structure Wlll occupy considerably less of the sidewalk space than has heretofore been the case when wooden supports of this character have been used.

While I have referred to my present invention as primarily designed for use as a supporting structure for sidewalk bridges or canopies, it will nevertheless, be manifest that the same structure can also be advantageously employed as a supporting means for crane runways, steam and water piping,

trolleys, or in the erection of ramps, grandstands, etc. porting structure may be economically employed either for such temporary uses as-a sidewalk protection bridge or canopy, or for other uses of a more or less permanent character.

Further, it is to be understood that although I have herein particularly described an embodiment of my present improvements which -I have found to be entirely satisfactory in practical use, the essential features thereof might nevertheless be embodied in other alternative mechanical structures, and I accordingly reserve the privilege of adop ting all such legitimate changes in the form, construction and relative arrangement of the several parts as may be fairly embodied within, the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

I claim:

1. A supporting structure of the character described comprising transversely spaced series of columns, a head for each of said columns having means for detachably connecting the same with the upper end of the col- In other words, the new supumn, longitudinal members for connecting. the spaced columns 1n each series, and lndependently adjustable clamping devices pivotally mounted oneach column head for rigidly clamping the ends of said longitudinal members in independently adjusted position-thereon.

2. A supporting structure of the character described comprising transversely spaced series of columns, a head for each of said columns having means for detachably connecting the same with the upper end of the column, longitudinal members for connecting the spaced columns in each series, relativel adjustable clampin devices mounted on eac column head for rlgidly clamping the ends of said longitudinal members in connection therewith, transverse beams adapted to be seated at their ends upon the heads of op-I posite columns in the series, and additional angularly adjustable clamping devices on the column heads to rigidly clamp the beam in connection therewith.

3. In a supporting structure of the character described, a column, a head casting having means for detachabl securing the same upon the upper end of t e column, and independently adjustable clamping devices pivoted on said head casting for rigidly securing the ends of horizontal column connecting members in independently adjusted relation to the'head casting.

4. In a supporting structure of the character described, a column, a head casting having means for detachably securing said casting upon the upper end of the column, and means for connecting horizontal bracing members with said head casting, said means consisting of complementary members adapted for engagement on opposite sides of the connectingmember, and means support ing said clamping members on the head casting for angular adjustment relative thereto.

5. In a supporting structure of the character described, a column, a head casting having means for detachably securing the same upon the upper end of said column,

and clamping means for securing the end of a horizontal bracing member in connection with said head casting consistin of two complementary clamping members etween which the connecting member is adapted to be positioned, one of said clampin members having a. rotatable bearing on the head casting tor angular adjustment relative thereto, means for rigidly locking said clamping member in its adjusted position, and means mounted in the head casting and coacting with the other clamping member to adjust the latter and efl'ect a rigid clamping engagement of said members with the horizontal bracing member.

6. In a supporting-structure of the character described, a column, a head casting having a central tubular body portion to receive the upper end of the column and means for detachably securing said casting in fixed relationto the column, said casting having a. horizontally disposed beam receivin seat and vertical Webs at opposite sides 0? said body portion integrally connecting the same 4 with said seat, clamping devices mounted upon said webs for rigidly securing horizontal bracing members in connection with the head casting, and additional clamping devices mounted on said webs for rigidly clamping the end of a beam upon said seat. 7. In a supporting structure of the character described, a column, a head casting having a central barrel-shaped body to receive the upper end of the column, the Wall of said body being longitudinally split at its open end, means for detachably clamping the body wall upon said column, said casting having a seat upon which the end of a beam is adapted to be positioned and vertically vices pivotally mounted upon the head casting adjacent the end of said seat to rigidly clamp the beam thereon.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention, I have signed my name hereto.

FREDERIC A. DAVIDSON. 

